RARE PIONEER CT-A9 REFERENCE ELITE SPEC CASSETTE TAPE DECK Introduction
X-RARE ULTRA PERFORMANCE MODEL
Meters: -40 ........ +14 dB ,....try to find another deck like that
Rare World voltage: 120/220/240V (rotary switch in rear)
NICE, WORKS AND SOUNDS LIKE NEW!
CT-A9 has a smoothness of operation and refinement rivalling a BMW;
It will be tested for a local Ottawa area buyer; can be shipped if need, keep reading.
PROPERLY PRO SERVICED 08/2019:
* Heads cleaned/demagnetized;
* All new belts (from now defunct Marrs Communications, perfect Japan-made match) installed; good for 20 yrs.
* New idler tire installed;
that's CAD $170 for the belts + idler alone (shipped), without labor;
* Mechanism all cleaned and lubed;
* All adjustments/calibration done;
Tested for PERFECT playback and recording
With astonishingly low wow and flutter, this is one of my favourite decks for making perfect
recordings from CD, vinyl or other sources;
This is the silverface version.
The blackface version (identical technically, shares the same service manual) is known as CT-A9X.
The PIONEER CT-A9 retailed for $950.00, and the PIONEER CT-A9X retailed for $800.00 a couple of years later (black model).
That was LOTS of money back then, equivalent to CAD $2318 and CAD $1851 in 2022, respectively,
according to Bank of Canada inflation calculator.
The problem is, they are no longer made, and existing stock is dwindling.
They are also not easy to service properly, takes a lot of expertise.
Both CT-A9 and CT-A9X have slightly inferior (but still spectacular) build compared to CT-F1250,
however have better sound in both recording and playback;
therefore making a perfect choice for recording studio or demanding audiophile.
Pioneer wanted to compete with the best from Nakamichi but wanted to do it for $400 less.
Here they did it!
The head gap is 0.6 mkm, equal to that of 2nd generation all-discrete Nak models!
That is quite an achievement, if you ask me.
Stereo Review tested this Pioneer deck in 1985 and concluded it was one of the best ever built!
Julian Hirsch and his team, they were amazed at its ability to record music and how it competed
with the "new" CD technology. Pioneer did not take any short cuts here.
It has a very heavy chassis and all aluminum face and knobs.
The Rec & Play heads are of low-loss Sendust Ribbon "which limit 3rd harmonic distortion" ;
Componentry is of high-quality : gold-plated head wiring, metal film resistors,
select audio capacitors, plus Dual-FET inputs, and SEPP & DC circuits,
Quartz-regulated high-torque Hall-effect brushless & coreless DC motor.
INFO LINKS:
http://www.thevintageknob.org/pioneer-CT-A9.html
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/pioneer/ct-a9.shtml
LINKS TO COMPARE TO:
CAD $847 (year 2014)
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Pioneer-CT-A9-vintage-rare-post-SPEC-pre-Elite-cassette-deck-in-excellent-shape-/371035075505
CAD $1,433 (CT-A9X), year 2018
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/PIONEER-flagship-CT-A9X-3-head-cassette-deck-in-perfect-working-condition/173586547945
CAD $4980, CT-A9X, year 2022:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/125647665699?oid=295108704697
CAD $2973, CT-A9X, year 2022:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/204056811250
* MADE IN JAPAN, 1985
* 3-head, single compact cassette deck
* Reference Master Mechanism
* Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
* Tape Speed: 4.75 cm/s
* Heads: 1 x combination record/playback, 1 x erase
* Motor: 1 x reel, 1 x capstan
* Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal
* Noise Reduction: B, C
* Frequency Response: 20Hz to 23kHz (Metal tape), 20Hz to 21hz (Normal tape)
* Signal to Noise Ratio: 76dB (dolby C)
* Wow and Flutter: less than 0.018% (WRMS)
* Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.8%
* Input: 63mV (line)
* Output: 0.63V (line)
* Dimensions: 420 x 130 x 374mm
* Net Weight: 10 KG
* Closed-Loop Dual-Capstan Drive System
* Motor with Constant Speed : 1x Quartz-PLL Direct-Drive coreless capstan
* Reel Driving Motor : 1x coreless DC high-torque
* Recording head : 1x Ribbon Sendust
* Playback head : 1x Ribbon Sendust
* Erasing head : 1x special alloy
* Automated calibration BLE (Bias, Level, Equalizer)
* Same hi-end DC amplifier technology as employed in M-90 and M-91 masterpieces
* Dolby B-C NR
* Music Search
* Dual output level controls for headphones and line output
* Tape capacity selector
* Timer
* Gold plated RCA jacks
* Automated cassette door eject and close.
Place the cassette and deck senses tape and closes,
some clear tapes cannot be sensed because they are transparent
and sensor does not register them, then you simply press play or stop and door closes.
Vintageknob mentions this.
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Local buyer much preferred (cash on pickup); e-transfer is possible, but unpredictable, takes from 2 min to 30 min waiting to go through.
I will ship in Canada if paid by Interac e-transfer, packed nicely with PP foam/styrofoam, insured and tracked.
Shipping costs: $49 ON/QC, $59 to Alberta, $65 to BC.
Pickup or shipping only, no deliveries.
Shipping outside of Canada is possible only if paid by instant money transfer service(MoneyGram/WU);
or US cash (at current Google exchange rate) sent by Priority/Xpress registered mail, preferably with signature; nothing else.
I got paid a few times like that before, no issues.
I've been collecting vintage stereos for a long time, so trades for old stereos in any condition will be considered. 70's and 80's heavy all-metal boxes preferred.
SERIOUS BUYER ONLY - SEND CELL PHONE NUMBER WHEN READY TO BUY
See my other ads - Thank you!
